NAFDAC Deploys Teams Nationwide to Seize Prohibited Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to seize alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.

The operation, which is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones, follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be violating the ban.

Enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the banned products, reinforcing the federal government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution and sale of such products across Nigeria.

NAFDAC warned that manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters found producing, stocking or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages risk regulatory sanctions, seizure of products and possible prosecution.

It advised all stakeholders still in possession of the affected products to voluntarily surrender their remaining stock to the agency, stressing that continued sale or distribution of the banned items is illegal.

According to NAFDAC, the exercise is part of a sustained nationwide enforcement and public awareness campaign designed to eliminate harmful alcohol products, reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption among adults.

The agency said the crackdown is intended to protect public health, particularly by curbing harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.

NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers who comply with approved packaging requirements but is focused on removing products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which have been categorised as illegal and unsafe.

The agency called on Nigerians to support the exercise by reporting individuals or businesses producing, storing or selling the banned alcoholic beverages, avoiding patronage of such products and working collectively to safeguard communities from the dangers associated with their consumption.

It also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to the banned products to the nearest NAFDAC office.